Travelocity headed to Virginia for this “Under the Radar Destination” column, speaking with Lucy Curtis. Originally from England, Lucy discovered the Virginia Piedmont as a tourist, but today, makes it her home.
How did you come to be an expert on Middleburg?
I first came to Middleburg as a visitor/tourist, I fell for it so hard that I was determined to live here one day. It took me three years, but I finally got here and have not regretted it a single day. I am out and about every weekend exploring the beautiful countryside and unique cultural experiences that the area offers.
Why is Middleburg so special to you?
The people who live here truly treasure its beauty and its heritage, and have done an amazing job of preservation and conservation. The landscape reminds me of England, where I grew up. I love seeing the foxes, hawks and occasional bear, the beauty of each season, and having access to so much fresh and local food.
The Salamander Resort & Spa is home to a full spa, equestrian facilities, and one of the author’s favorite restaurants – Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill. Credit: Salamander Resort and Spa
Where in town would you go to celebrate a special occasion?
I celebrated my last birthday with Brunch at Harrimans, which offers a great selection, excellent Bloody Marys, and everyone that joined the celebration loved that afterwards we could walk around the grounds and visit the horses. I also love Girasole, which is 8 miles down the road in The Plains, a cute village of 300 people. The restaurant is family owned and operated, and it really shows; excellent service, cozy interior, or for the summer a very pretty dining patio. The Chef uses hyper-local and rustic ingredients and really knows how to highlight them. They pick the wines from producers that they know personally.
Hunters Head Tavern is a local’s hangout for beer and authentic pub fare. Credit: AD
What is a great small, local eatery that only locals know about?
Hunters Head in Upperville has a very local, country vibe and all the food is not only local, but comes from their own farm. Red Truck Rural Bakery in Marshall for Saturday morning pastries and coffee. Popcorn Monkey in Middleburg – so many flavors to choose from, but the Blue Cheese is to die for! Country Ham (watch out it’s really salty) biscuits and the best Virginia Peanuts from The Corner Store at Old Tavern – also be sure to pick up some home-style chicken salad there if you are going to be picnicking. Market Burger in Purcellville is known for their creative use of local ingredients to make a delicious variety of burgers.
What local venues are the best place to catch some live music?
At a local Winery like Blue Valley, Bluemont or Delaplane, when you pair the music to the incredible views and the wine, incomparable!
If a visitor wanted to do some true local shopping in Middleburg (i.e. local products not available nationally), where should they go?
Local meat, produce and comestibles from the Home Farm Store, or The Whole Ox. Beautifully curated antiques and unique gifts at The Outpost and Firefox Antiques.
I also love Tri-county Feeds, Fashions & Finds, they have every item of clothing needed for life in Horse Country and beyond. The Plains has The Side Porch for gifts with a local flair.
There are a lot of places to shop for art as well, as so many artists make their home here – so both the artists and their inspiration are local.
Chrysalis Vineyards features 71 acres of vineyards in an idyllic setting – perfect for enjoying a glass of locally-produced wine. Credit: Visit Loudoun
If a beer or wine aficionado came to town, where would you send them to sample locally made “beverages”?
There are almost too many to choose from. Wineries: RdV for the very serious and deep pocketed wine connoisseur, Chrysalis Winery at the Ag District (I can’t wait to visit their brand new tasting room, and I hear they are making cheese as well), Delaplane and Bluemont both have fabulous views, the first is adult and sophisticated, the second is more fun and family oriented.
Breweries – Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont, beers made from their family farmed hops, grain and fruit, historic and rustic tasting room, a huge outdoor woodburning fire and scenic views. Old Bust Head Brewing Company in Vint Hill, Giant taproom, tons of beers and live music, partnering with food trucks on the weekends, more industrial (it’s a converted military installation) than scenic.
Cidery – Mt. Defiance, right in Middleburg, also making some interesting spirits; Rum and Absinthe!
Distillery – Catoctin Creek, in Purcellville (across the street from Market Burger), a must try is their craft cocktail sampler, pick up some of their White Lightning for a truly eye-opening Bloody Mary.
Are there any historical spots/museums/etc, that would help visitors to learn more about Middleburg?
National Sporting Library & Museum is an answer that fits this question to the tee, historical, beautiful, steeped in local traditions, marvelously curated and executed. Everything around Middleburg is historical, so I recommend exploring, you will find old churches and mills, tiny tucked away villages and magnificent estates as you go.
If a visitor wanted to get a feel for the area, are there any tours, walks, excursions that you would recommend?
Historic home and garden tours at Oatlands and Morven Park, nature and birding walks at Sky Meadows. Make sure to include the Piedmont Overlook as part of your hike, The Journey Through Hallowed Ground is helpful, I do something similar to their Blue Ridge Turnpike Loop; jumping on the Skyline Drive for a bit, then coming off at Sperryville and looping back through “Little” Washington, Flint Hill, Orlean, Hume, Marshall, Rectortown and Upperville.
If you just sit at a sidewalk café on Washington Street you will see the local life go by; a truck full of hay bales and horse feed next to a Rolls Royce, a farmer in his muddy wellies and a lady turned out in the finest riding attire. People walking their dogs (lots of Jack Russells), and running their errands in locally owned independent shops, greeting each other on the street whether or not they know each other, but they probably do!
Other than what you have already mentioned, what is a special place that you would take a friend visiting Middleburg for the first time?
Twilight Polo or Jumpers at Great Meadow or any of the many equestrian events that are always going on. Going early on Saturday or Sunday morning to see a hunt and hounds go off to find a fox. Stopping by the Upper Crust for a sausage roll. Browsing and buying at The Fun Shop, especially around any holidays. The Archwood Green Barns Farmers Market on Sunday in The Plains.
Lucy Curtis is English by birth, grew up in London, and has travelled all over Europe, settling for a while in Athens, but now has her roots firmly planted in Virginia’s Horse Country.
A lifelong hospitality professional, she is married to a chef who is her partner in Virginia road-tripping and tasting. She works off the calories in her garden!
Travelocity Editors
Latest posts by Travelocity Editors (see all)
- Why some airline refunds take so long - March 18, 2022
- Save $1,000 on these popular family vacation destinations during Daylight Saving Time - March 4, 2021
- 4 season’s greetings from the Travelocity Roaming Gnome (VIDEO) - December 16, 2020
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
